The present watch has never been offered in public before and appears to be in unused condition, still retaining the blue protective sticker to the back. It is furthermore believed to be only the fourth example of this reference to appear at auction to date.

Reference 5041 is the rarest of all perpetual calendar watches of Patek Philippe's normal production. In production from 1995 to 2003, it is with the exception of the enlarged, flat bezel identical to reference 5040. Reference 5041 was exclusively made in white gold, with black dial and Breguet numerals. Although the exact production numbers are not know, it is thought that a total of 30 to 50 examples only was made, the correct amount most probably closer to the lower figure.